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Sunday, July 8, 2018

Mariscos El Veneno - Doraville - Atlanta Georgia

You can find Mariscos El Veneno at 5082 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30340 - this is the free-standing building right to the left of El Taco Veloz and the former location of one of Atlanta's first sushi buffets. Parking is very limited out front, with a few spaces in the back - that's probably the greatest drawback to visiting this very good Latino seafood restaurant.

This is my first visit to Mariscos El Veneno - I have visited on other occasions as it's transitioned through several concepts so I've been wanting to give it a try, on this night with our regular Buford Highway Restaurant Clawr group. The interior is rather cosmopolitan and simple with teal-colored walls, wooden tables and chairs and lots of green plants. There are tanks with crabs and other seafood towards the back wall. You're given a full-color glossy menu that's thankfully riddled with photos so you can see what you're getting - the options here are extensive and should satisfy even the pickiest seafood lover. Along with the menus were were a plate of lime wedges and a basket of fried tortillas and saltines - seemed appropriate being where we were. We also received a bit of delicious habanero salsa with lots of chopped red onion.

We started with some tostadas covered in shrimp ceviche - this was fantastic and very fresh - look for "Tostada de Ceviche de Camaron" on the menu. We next ordered various entrees that propelled us into another world of delicious seafood goodness. The seafood was exceptionally fresh and cooked to perfection - I'd say that this place is on par with fine dining establishments elsewhere except with an improved selection and extra spiciness - right up my alley really. I personally went with a spicy seafood soup filled with seafood including a sweet langostino "Caldo Venedo" - I think John got the Jalva (crab) soup. Actually everything we ordered (and we all tasted each other's plates) was delicious: "Salmon a la Parrilla" (grilled salmon), "Mix Brochetas with Cayo de Acha, Mahi y Camaron" your basic grilled seafood skewers, everything was fantastic.

Service here was very good with a very attentive staff that strove to answer our questions. The portions here are also very large - I think the value, especially fort he seafood was exceptional. You can get some of the same items elsewhere but I think you'll be happy visiting Mariscos El Veneno.